Premier accuses Ottawa of shirking its responsibility on Far North development, First Nation community investment
Premier Doug Ford said it’s high time for the federal government to pitch in and partner up on making investments onto the Ring of Fire.
With this summer poised for construction season to begin building roads into the Far North mineral belt, Ford said Ottawa needs to ante up with its fair share of investment for transportation-related infrastructure.
In taking media questions during a June 16 funding announcement in Thunder Bay, Ford dared Ottawa to match Ontario’s $1-billion commitment to build the road network and upgrade the Webequie First Nation airport.
“Guess how much the feds have put in? Zip, zero, zilch,” said Ford. “They can keep talking about it. Rather than talking, show us the money.”
Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed an co-operation agreement late last year to expedite and streamline the timelines and regulatory structure for environmental assessment and approvals on major projects of national significance.
In introducing the federal government’s Major Projects Office last September, Carney said additional developments like the Ring of Fire would be included in their new strategy at some point.
Ford said it’ll cost $600 million to expand and repair transportation infrastructure across Northern Ontario and the Carney government needs to invest in areas of federal jurisdiction.
“We just can’t go it alone all the time,” said Ford. “The feds have to step up and start pitching in and I’ve not yet seen that.”:
When Ford was asked for his reaction about the views of some First Nation communities who insist Ring of Fire development is happening too quickly, he responded he’s in frequent contact with chiefs across Ontario who want better community infrastructure, investment in local projects, reliable power connections, and to be partners in major development.
Ford claims his government is consulting with Indigenous leaders and has provided “ten times” more support than Ottawa with on-reserve investments in airports, health care and long-term care facilities.
Though Ford been the frequent target of protest from the Grassy Narrows reserve, and those advocating for remediation to tackle the ongoing mercury poisoning water crisis in the community, the premier offered his support and agreed to meet on that issue, but, again, pointed the finger at the federal government for shirking its responsibility.
“I’d love to support them anyway we can. The number one priority is have clean drinking water for everyone in Ontario, but again, where are the feds?”